Augustan Age Culture explores the pivotal role of literature in shaping the Roman Empire under Augustus. This book examines how writers like Virgil, Horace, and Ovid were instrumental in crafting a new “golden age,” promoting Augustan ideology, and solidifying a distinct Roman identity. Augustus strategically used literature as political propaganda to legitimize his rule and instill unity, demonstrating the profound connection between cultural production and imperial power.
The book illuminates how the Aeneid became a foundational text for Roman identity, while Horace's odes celebrated the era's peace and prosperity.
The book progresses systematically, first establishing the historical and social context of Augustan Rome, then delving into specific literary works and genres to analyze their role in propagating Augustan ideology. By providing detailed textual analysis and drawing on recent scholarship, Augustan Age Culture offers readers a comprehensive understanding of this complex era. This approach highlights the agency of writers in shaping their culture, presenting a nuanced view beyond simple propaganda.
